Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2022/060381
PCT/US2020/052043
WOOD POST BRACKET
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001]
The present invention relates generally to railing systems and relates
more specifically to support hardware for use in railing systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002]
One common style of decking system comprises vertically oriented
posts that are supported by a wood substructure or framing system that
includes
joists. The posts, in turn, support a railing which may be oriented in a
manner
parallel to the joists or in a manner that is angled relative to the joists
(e.g., as
may be the case on a railing that is adjacent to stairs). The posts are
typically
coupled to the joists by fasteners (e.g., lag bolts or lag screws) which are
lagged
through the posts and joists (e.g., drilled directly through, without any pre-
drilled
holes being formed in either the posts or the joists).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003]
In one example, a wood post bracket used for securing a wood post to
a rim joist and a reinforcing block directly linking to the substructure of a
deck's
wood framing system includes a planar base having a first end and a second
end,
a first flange extending from the first end of the planar base in a
perpendicular
orientation relative to the planar base, a second flange extending from the
second
end of the planar base in a perpendicular orientation relative to the planar
base,
and a hollow sleeve extending from the planar base in a perpendicular
orientation
relative to the planar base, wherein the hollow sleeve is positioned between
the
first end of the planar base and the second end of the planar base.
[0004]
In another example, a method for securing a post to a rim joist of a deck
frame includes providing a bracket, wherein the bracket comprises a planar
base
having a first end and a second end, a first flange extending from the first
end of
the planar base in a perpendicular orientation relative to the planar base, a
second flange extending from the second end of the planar base in a
perpendicular orientation relative to the planar base; and a hollow sleeve
extending from the planar base in a perpendicular orientation relative to the
1
CA 03172106 2022- 9- 16
WO 2022/060381
PCT/US2020/052043
planar base, wherein the hollow sleeve is positioned between the first end of
the
planar base and the second end of the planar base The method further includes
positioning the bracket beneath and around the rim joist, so that the rim
joist sits
between the first flange and the hollow sleeve, inserting the post into the
hollow
sleeve, and lagging a first fastener through the first flange, the rim joist,
and the
hollow sleeve, and into the post.
In another example, a wood post bracket for securing a post to a rim joist of
a
deck's wood framing system includes a hollow sleeve having a first side, a
second
side, a third side, and a fourth side arranged to form a rectangular tube,
wherein
the rectangular tube has a first end that is closed and a second end that is
open,
a planar base coupled to the first end of the rectangular tube and extending
from
the first side of the rectangular tube in a perpendicular orientation relative
to the
hollow sleeve, and a first flange extending from an end of the planar base in
a
parallel orientation relative to the hollow sleeve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005]
The teachings of the present disclosure can be readily understood by
considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0006]
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of one example of a bracket
according to the present disclosure;
[0007]
FIGs. 2A-2E are isometric views illustrating the installation of a post
using the bracket of FIG. 1;
[0008]
FIGs. 3A-3E are cross sectional views of certain steps of the
installation illustrated in FIGs. 2A-2E, taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2B;
[0009]
FIG. 4 illustrates several example installation locations of the bracket
of FIG. 1; and
[0010]
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate example of the
bracket.
[0011]
To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been
used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the
figures.
2
CA 03172106 2022- 9- 16
WO 2022/060381
PCT/US2020/052043
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012]
The present disclosure describes a novel bracket and a method for
securing wood posts in a decking system. In one example, a wood post bracket
secures a wood post directly to the rim joist, to the reinforcing block, and
to the
substructure of the deck's wood framing system. The bracket thus allows the
rim
joist, reinforcing block, and deck framing to work together to reinforce the
vertical
wood post quickly and easily with a code compliant installation.
[0013]
As discussed above, one common style of decking system comprises
vertically oriented posts that are supported by a wood substructure or framing
system that includes joists. The posts are typically secured to the joists by
fasteners (e.g., lag bolts or lag screws) which are drilled directly through
the posts
and joists, without any pre-drilled holes being formed in either the posts or
the
joists.
[0014]
Current building codes require that outward movement of a post (i.e.,
movement in a direction away from the joist to which the post is secured) is
not
greater than a threshold. Conventionally, the outward movement of the post may
be limited by securing a reinforcing block to the post, on the opposite side
of the
post from the joist. For instance, the fastener may be lagged through the
joist,
post, and reinforcing block, so that the post is held between the joist and
the
reinforcing block. However, building codes that are scheduled for
implementation
in the coming years not only further limit the permitted outward movement of
the
post, but also limit the permitted inward movement (i.e., movement in a
direction
toward the joist to which the post is secured) and lateral movement (i.e.,
sideways
movement of the post along the joist to which the post is secured). Although a
reinforcing block as described above may provide adequate protection against
outward movement of a post, and may also provide some protection against
inward movement, the reinforcing block does little to limit the lateral
movement of
the post. Thus, conventional methods of securing posts to joists are unlikely
to
ensure compliance with the expected changes in the building codes.
[0015]
Examples of the present disclosure provide a bracket that may be
installed on and under the rim joist of a decking system and a reinforcing
block.
The bracket includes a sleeve or pocket into which the post may be inserted,
and
includes apertures so that fasteners may be driven through the rim joist,
sleeve,
3
CA 03172106 2022- 9- 16
WO 2022/060381
PCT/US2020/052043
post, and reinforcing block. The bracket acts as a counter pivot to loads
exerted
on the post in all directions, so that outward, inward, and lateral movement
of the
post is minimized. The bracket allows the full width and height of the rim
joist and
the reinforcing block to work together as a counter balance, pushing and
pulling
in opposite directions to transfer and distribute pressures and loads directly
to the
deck substructure, as opposed to using just the width of the rim joist for
structural
reinforcement of the post.
[0016]
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of one example of a bracket 100
according to the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIG. 1 is not
necessarily to scale (e.g., some dimensions may be exaggerated to better show
the features of the bracket 100). In one example, the bracket 100 is formed as
a
single, unitary piece fabricated from stamped metal. In other words, no
fasteners
are required to hold the different components or sections of the bracket
together.
[0017]
As illustrated, the bracket 100 generally takes the form of an upside
down "T." Specifically, the bracket 100 comprises a planar base 102 having a
generally rectangular shape.
[0018]
At the center of the base 102 is a hollow sleeve 104 that extends from
the base 102 at approximately a ninety degree angle (i.e., perpendicular
relative
to the base 102). The sleeve 104 may be sized and shaped to accommodate a
wooden post, i.e., such that a wooden post can be inserted into the sleeve
104.
Thus, in one example, the sleeve 104 may comprise four sides arranged to form
a rectangular tube (i.e., a tube having a rectangular cross section) whose
dimensions are sized such that a 4 inch by 4 inch post can be held snugly
within
the hollow interior of the tube.
[0019]
In one example, two of the four sides of the sleeve 104 (i.e., two non-
adjacent sides) each include a gap 112, such that there are breaks in the
perimeter of the sleeve's cross section. In this case, the sleeve 104 may
appear
to be formed in two halves that are spaced apart from each other, as
illustrated
in FIG. 1. Forming the gaps 112 in the two sides of the sleeve 104 may reduce
the amount of material required to fabricate the bracket 100. Alternatively or
in
addition, one or more of the sides of the sleeve 104 may include cutouts or
windows cut into the planar surface of the side to further reduce material
usage.
However, in other examples, the sleeve 104 may be formed to have a continuous
4
CA 03172106 2022- 9- 16
WO 2022/060381
PCT/US2020/052043
perimeter (e.g., without gaps or cutouts in any of the sides). In this case,
the
sleeve 104 may appear to be formed as a single, solid piece.
[0020]
A first end 106 of the sleeve 104 is coupled directly to the base 102,
such that the first end 106 of the sleeve 104 is closed. However, a second end
108 of the sleeve 104 defines an opening 110 into which the post may be
inserted,
as described in further detail below.
[0021]
Referring back to the base 102, the base 102 may further include a first
end 114 and a second end 116. The first end 114 and the second end 116 of the
base 102 may be spaced equidistant from the sleeve 104 (e.g., such that the
sleeve 104 is positioned midway between the first end 114 and the second end
116). In one example, the first end 114 comprises a first flange 118 that
extends
from the base 102 at approximately a ninety degree angle (i.e., perpendicular
relative to the base 102, or parallel relative to the sleeve 104). Similarly,
the
second end 116 may comprise a second flange 120 that extends from the base
102 at approximately a ninety degree angle (i.e., perpendicular relative to
the
base 102, or parallel relative to the sleeve 104 and first flange 118). The
first
flange 118 and the second flange 120 may extend from the base 102 in the same
direction as the sleeve 104. In one example, at least one of the first flange
118
and the second flange 120 may be hinged, e.g., such that the first flange 118
and
the second flange 120 can rotate or bend to some degree around a respective
bending axis 136 and 138, where the bending axes 136 and 138 run substantially
parallel to the first flange 118 and the second flange 120.
[0022]
In one example, the bracket 100 may further comprise a plurality of
tabs 122 coupled to the perimeter of the second end 108 of the sleeve 104. In
one example, a tab 122 may extend from each corner of the second end 108 of
the sleeve 104, and the tabs 122 may be coupled to non-adjacent sides of the
sleeve 104. For instance, in one example, a first tab 122 and a second tab 122
may extend outward from the sleeve 104, in a direction toward the first end
114
of the base 102. Similarly, a third tab 122 and a fourth tab 122 may extend
outward from the sleeve 104, in a direction toward the second end 116 of the
base 102. Each tab 122 may have a planar shape. The tabs 122 may be hinged,
e.g., such that the tabs 122 can rotate or bend to some degree around
respective
CA 03172106 2022- 9- 16
WO 2022/060381
PCT/US2020/052043
bending axes 124 and 126, where the bending axes 124 and 126 run substantially
parallel to the first flange 118 and the second flange 120.
[0023]
In one example, the bracket 100 further comprises a plurality of
apertures. The plurality of apertures may include a first plurality of
apertures 128
that is formed in the sides of the sleeve 104. More specifically, the first
plurality
of apertures 128 may be formed in the sides of the sleeve 104 that do not have
the tabs 122 coupled thereto (e.g., non-adjacent sides). In one example, some
apertures 128 of the first plurality of apertures 128 are formed near the
first end
106 of the sleeve, while some apertures 128 of the first plurality of
apertures are
formed near the second end 108 of the sleeve 104. In the example illustrated
in
FIG. 1, each side of the sleeve 104 that includes the first plurality of
apertures
128 includes four apertures 128: two apertures 128 formed near the first end
106
of the sleeve 104 and two apertures 128 formed near the second end 108 of the
sleeve 104.
[0024]
The plurality of apertures may further include a second plurality of
apertures 130 that is formed in the sleeve 104. More specifically, the second
plurality of apertures 130 may be formed in the sides of the sleeve 104 that
have
the tabs 122 coupled thereto (e.g., non-adjacent sides). In one example, the
second plurality of apertures 130 is formed near the first end 106 of the
sleeve
104. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, each side of the sleeve 104 that
includes
the second plurality of apertures 130 includes two apertures 130 formed near
the
first end 106 of the sleeve 104. The second plurality of apertures 130 may be
situated closer to the base 102 than the lower apertures of the first
plurality of
apertures 128 that are formed near the first end 106 of the sleeve 104.
[0025]
The plurality of apertures may further include a third plurality of
apertures 132 that is formed in the flanges 118 and 120. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the first flange 118 and the second flange 120
includes two apertures 132. Each aperture of the third plurality of apertures
132
may be collinear with at least one aperture of the second plurality of
apertures
130, e.g., such that a single fastener may pass through both an aperture of
the
second plurality of apertures and an aperture of the third plurality of
apertures
132.
6
CA 03172106 2022- 9- 16
WO 2022/060381
PCT/US2020/052043
[0026]
The plurality of apertures may further include a fourth plurality of
apertures 134 that is formed in the tabs 122. In the example illustrated in
FIG. 1,
each tab 122 includes one aperture 134.
[0027]
FIGs. 2A-2E are isometric views illustrating the installation of a post
using the bracket 100 of FIG. 1. As such, FIGs. 2A-2E also serve as a flow
diagram for a method of installing a post using the bracket 100 of FIG. 1.
Similar
reference numerals are used in FIG. 1 to refer to elements of the bracket 100
that
is illustrated in FIG. 1. FIGs. 3A-3E are cross sectional views of certain
steps of
the installation illustrated in FIGs. 2A-2E, taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2B.
[0028]
As illustrated in FIG. 2A, a wood frame 200 comprising a plurality of
joists may be provided. It should noted that FIG. 2A may illustrate a portion
of
the frame 200; the full frame 200 may be larger than what is illustrated in
FIG. 2A.
The frame 200 may be provided as part of the substructure or support system
for
a deck, where each joist is one of a plurality of horizontal members that is
arranged to support the deck. In one example, the plurality of joists may
include
rim joists 202, which form part of the perimeter of the frame 200 (e.g., the
outside
frame of the deck). For instance, FIG. 2A illustrates four rim joists 202 that
are
spaced apart from each other in a parallel manner.
In addition, the plurality of
joists may also include a plurality of deck joists 204 positioned inside the
perimeter defined by the rim joists.
[0029]
As illustrated in FIG. 2B, which shows a close-up view of a portion of
location 206 of the frame 200 of FIG. 2A, a bracket 100 may be installed on
and
under one of the rim joists 202. FIG. 3A illustrates a cross sectional view of
this
step. The bracket 100 may be configured in a manner similar to the bracket 100
of FIG. 1. In one example, the first end 116 of the base 102 of the bracket
100
may be slid beneath the rim joist 202, such that the rim joist 202 sits
between the
sleeve 104 and the first flange 118. In one example, where a double rim joist
is
used (e.g., such that two rim joists 202 are positioned flush against each
other,
the first flange 118 may be folded down (e.g. so that the first flange 118 is
substantially coplanar with the base 102). In this case, the first flange 118
will
rest along the bottoms of both rim joists. Two of the tabs 122 at the second
end
108 of the sleeve 104 may be folded over the top of the rim joist 202.
7
CA 03172106 2022- 9- 16
WO 2022/060381
PCT/US2020/052043
[0030]
As illustrated in FIG. 2C and FIG. 3B, fasteners may next be lagged
through at least some of the apertures in the bracket 100, in a direction
toward
(or perpendicular relative to) the base 102. For instance, fasteners 208 may
be
lagged through the apertures 134 in the tabs 122 that are folded over the top
of
the rim joist 202. This partially secures the bracket 100 to the rim joist
202.
[0031]
FIG. 3E illustrates an alternate example of the step shown in FIG. 20
and 3B, where the rim joist 202 may be larger than shown in FIG. 20 and 3B.
For
instance, if the rim joist 202 illustrated in FIG. 20 and 3B is a 2 inch by 8
inch rim
joist, then the rim joist 202 illustrated in FIG. 3E may be larger than an 8
inch rim
joist. In the case of FIG. 3E, the tabs 122 at the second end 108 of the
sleeve
104 may not be folded over the top of the rim joist 202, but may instead rest
flush
against the side of the rim joist 202 as shown. Fasteners 208 may be lagged
through the apertures 134 in the tabs 122 in a direction toward the first
flange 118
(or parallel relative to the base 102).
[0032]
As illustrated in FIG. 2D and FIG. 30, a reinforcing block 214 may next
be installed in the frame 200. In one example, the reinforcing block 214 is
installed so that the reinforcing block 214 sits between the sleeve 104 and
the
second flange 120. Although not shown in FIG. 2D and FIG. 30, the reinforcing
block 214 may be secured with fasteners to the frame 200 (e.g., the ends of
the
reinforcing block 214 may be secured to two respective deck joists, or a first
end
of the reinforcing block 214 may be secured to one deck joist while a second
end
of the reinforcing block 214 is secured to one rim joist, depending upon the
location of installation). Two of the tabs 122 at the second end 108 of the
sleeve
104 may be folded over the top of the reinforcing block 214. Fasteners 216 may
be lagged through the apertures 134 in the tabs 122 that are folded over the
top
of the reinforcing block 214. This partially secures the bracket 100 to the
reinforcing block 214. Moreover, the reinforcing block 214 ties the bracket
100
directly to the frame 200, as the bracket 100 is now secured on both ends to
the
rim joist 202 for counterbalance reinforcement and energy dispersal throughout
the frame 200.
[0033]
As illustrated in FIG. 2E and FIG. 3Dõ a post (e.g., a 4 inch by 4 inch
pressure treated post) may be inserted into the sleeve 104. Fasteners 222 may
secure the post 220 to the rim joist 202. In this case, the fasteners 222 may
be
8
CA 03172106 2022- 9- 16
WO 2022/060381
PCT/US2020/052043
lagged through the apertures 132 in the first flange 118, through the rim
joist 202,
through the apertures 130 in the sleeve 104, and into the post 220, as shown.
In
addition, fasteners 218 may also be lagged through the apertures 132 in the
second flange 220, through the support block 214, through the apertures 130 in
the sleeve 104, and into the post 220, as shown. In some examples, one or more
bolts 232 may additionally be lagged all the way through the rim joist 202,
through
the gap 112 in one side of the sleeve 104, through the post 220, through the
gap
112 on the opposite side of the sleeve 104, and through the reinforcing block
214.
[0034]
Optionally, fasteners 224 may secure the post 220 to the deck joist 204
(as shown in FIG. 3D), e.g., if the bracket 100 is installed in a corner of
the frame
200 where the rim joist 202 meets a deck joist 204. In this case, the
fasteners
224 may be lagged through the deck joist 204, through the apertures 128 in the
sleeve 104, and into the post 220. In an example where the bracket 100 is
installed mid-span on the rim joist 202 (e.g., not in a corner where the rim
joist
202 meets a deck joist 204), this step may be skipped.
[0035]
Thus, as shown in FIG. 3D, the bracket 100 allows the full length of the
rim joist 202 and the reinforcing block 214 to work together to counter
balance
the top pull load on the post 220 in any direction. Specifically, the rim
joist 202
and the reinforcing block 214 push and pull in opposite directions to transfer
and
distribute pressures and loads directly to the deck sub structure, as opposed
to
using just the width of the rim joist 202 for structural reinforcement of the
post.
For instance, when a pull force is applied to the post 220 as shown in FIG.
3D,
the bracket 100 pulls the rim joist and reinforcing block in opposite
directions both
up and down (as shown by force arrows F1 and F2), as well as in and out.
[0036]
As discussed above, FIGs. 2A-2D illustrate only one example
installation of the bracket 100. Specifically, FIGs. 2A-2D illustrate an
example in
which the bracket 100 is installed in a corner of the frame 200 (e.g., where
two
joists meet). However, the bracket 100 may also be installed to secure a post
mid-span on a joist, i.e., in the middle of the joist as opposed to where the
joist
meets another joist.
[0037]
FIG. 4 illustrates several example installation locations of the bracket
100 of FIG. 1. For instance, the location 206 illustrates the installation
shown in
FIG. 2A, where the bracket 100 is installed in a corner of the frame 200
(i.e.,
9
CA 03172106 2022- 9- 16
WO 2022/060381
PCT/US2020/052043
where two rim joists 202 meet). In this case, the reinforcing block 214 is
installed
parallel to one rim joist 202 and perpendicular to the other rim joist 202
(e.g., so
that the reinforcing block is secured between one rim joist 202 and an
adjacent
deck joist 204).
[0038]
The location 228, however, illustrates an example in which the bracket
100 is installed mid-span on a rim joist 202, between two deck joists 204. In
this
case, the reinforcing block 214 is installed parallel to the rim joist 202 (or
perpendicular to the deck joists 204 to which the bracket 100 is secured).
[0039]
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate example of the
bracket 100. Similar reference numerals to those used in the previous figures
are used for similar components in FIG. 5. In the example illustrated in FIG.
5,
the planar base 102 is shortened, such that the base 102 extends to a single
side
of the sleeve 104.
[0040]
More particularly, the first flange 118 and the portion of the base 102
connecting the first flange 118 to the sleeve 104 have been removed in FIG. 5.
In this case, the bracket 100 is secured to the rim joist 202 by fasteners 208
that
are driven through the tabs 122 (e.g., through apertures of the fourth
plurality of
apertures 134). The bracket 100 may be further secured to the rim joist 202 by
fasteners 234 that are driven through apertures (e.g., of the second plurality
of
apertures 130) in the side of the sleeve 104 that is positioned flush against
the
rim joist 202. Thus, the bracket 100 of FIG. 5 does not wrap around the bottom
of the rim joist 202.
[0041]
The bracket 100 is secured to the reinforcing block 214 as described
above.
[0042]
The location 230 illustrates another example in which the bracket is
installed mid-span on a rim joist 202. However, in this case, the bracket 100
is
situated between two joists 226 that are secured between the rim joist 202 and
an adjacent deck joist 204. In this case, the reinforcing block 214 is
installed
parallel to the rim joist 202 (or perpendicular to the joists 226 to which the
bracket
100 is secured).Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings
of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail herein,
those
skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still
incorporate these teachings. In addition, while various embodiments have been
CA 03172106 2022- 9- 16
WO 2022/060381
PCT/US2020/052043
described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way
of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a claimed
embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary
embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following
claims
and their equivalents.
1
CA 03172106 2022- 9- 16
